US Senator Joni Ernst Decries “Malicious Rumors” Against UAE President, Reaffirming Strategic Bonds

Conversely, US Senator Joni Ernst (R-IA) went to social media on February 17, 2026, to disprove in no uncertain terms the rumors about the health of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. The intervention of the Senator is a diplomatic umbrella on a high level countering a well-planned disinformation operation leading to a destabilization of one of the most crucial regional allies of Washington.

A Definitve Rebuttal of Disinformation

Senator Ernst who is one of the members of the Senate Armed Services and Defense Committee described the viral posts as mere rumor which is totally false. By responding to these accusations explicitly, Ernst was sending signals to the sources of such stories, many of which are associated with extremist groups and local rivals, that they are not only being put under surveillance but have actually been called out in the political arena in America.

She stressed that the UAE President is a brave leader and a close friend, as his leadership has played a significant role in the process of establishing a path toward peace and cooperation in the Middle East.

Deepening Institutional Ties

The defense made by the Senator is not merely a personal action but also a manifestation of the relationship that existed long before between the US Congress and the UAE as an institution. Ernst is a veteran; a major figure in the discussion on national security, so his approval is meaningful. It implies that the role of the UAE as a partner of stability is an established fact in the US defense establishment that cannot be operative through the hostile digital campaigns.

The Geopolitical Impact of the Denial

According to experts, in an occasion where a Senator in the US steps in and denies some rumors within the region, it will only mean that the rumor has hit a limit that is affecting international security interests. This open declaration is a huge blow to the integrity of people behind the fake news, making the discussion less about a localized speculation and more about a matter of international integrity.

Through the reestablishment of the health and leadership of the President, the US has given a definite statement: a carefully coordinated media campaign will not destroy the strategic trust as well as personal respect between two leaderships of the countries.